Introduction
It is not often that one takes the time to retrospect, introspect and prospect since with pressures of daily living according to the Caribbean Reggae Legend, the late Bob Marley (1981), we are all caught up the mighty Rat Race of life, which has indeed infected the human race. ‘(Marley, 1981). As such, this is an awesome privilege for me to seriously embrace where I was, where I am and more importantly, where I am heading, especially, in this new professional practice.
With some degree of nostalgia, inevitably I must first withdraw sentiments expressed through Thomas Hardy’s (1892) philosophy captured in his novel ‘Tess of the D’Urbervilles’ to acknowledge that ‘the beauty or ugliness of a character lays not in its achievements, but rather in its aims and impulses; its true history not among things done, but among things willed.” (Hardy 1891, 1892, pp, 622).
Therefore, it is with no remorse that I look back at my past; regret that I interact with the present and absolutely nor fears as I emerge into my future. No one really understands one’s role in life until one begins to experience life by actively participating in the process. Engaging a professional practice, I believe, is the greatest opportunity one can offer the self in realizing according to Abraham Maslow (1954), ‘Self Actualization.’ (Maslow 1954). I must admit that towards Self Actualization is where I am heading, driven from the wilderness of yesterday; warbling in mysteries of today, trying to make sense of where I am.
Where I was!
I have to confess that life has been very gracious to be. Numerous excellent job opportunities opened in my way. However, they all seemed elusive because I did not know how to grasp them. My philosophy at the time was starting at the top. No one ever starts to climb a hill or ladder from the top. I never realized it and no one ever pointed it out to me. So I waited for that ideal position to begin my professional career.
It never came by desiring to begin my journey from the top section of the ladder. As such, I missed many blessings through error thinking. Then, I began to observe my environment and thereafter through introspection discovered that the safest place to begin my career journey was by getting to the starting point, which obviously is located at the bottom. It was then I really began my career and made leaps up the professional ladder.
Where I am
I was propelled into teaching after my enterprising climb began. At this point I can safely say that I am committed to this professional practice. My conviction stems from the privileges, which can be derived and precisely the opportunity it affords me to fulfill my purpose. Really, I am convinced that here is where my path to self actualization begins. It is a road that must be travelled by me on this journey.
More importantly, it enlarges my capacity to adopt various teaching techniques that eventually promote creativity and innovation in me as well as my students who are recipients of the knowledge I share. Definitely, I feel honored in knowing that I have made wise choices after realizing that I must not be stuck at the side of the road waiting to get to the top by utilizing inappropriate starting venues. This is important knowledge I can impart to my students, which I do; so that they would not make the same mistakes I did. It is the most rewarding aspect of the new me in my professional practice. The impartation of values to the coming generation is the most impacting professional resource available to any discipline.
However, I am confused; due to warbling in the mysteries of present time trying to make sense of where I am and more so who I am. A feeling of inadequacy as a teacher often gripped me. Maybe, because it was time to move forward up the ladder towards professional excellence. Therefore, I made the decision to explore another dimension of teaching career by enrolling to complete a Master of Commerce degree.
Presently, I am still challenged by the need to be validated; but must learn to do it for myself and seek spiritual strength and guidance in achieving future success. I must know that of myself I can accomplish nothing, but with the infinite presence of ‘Good’ and divine intervention, I am capable of achieving anything and all things (Adapted from the Holy Bible).
Interestingly, despite the odds I am really happy with my decision to continue studying for the Master of commerce degree. Daily, I am empowered with knowledge, which informs a Professional Business and E-Commerce discipline. This learning anticipates embracing a completely different cultural perspective by initialing travel to countries such as Colombia and Hong Kong where I would love to visit as my career blooms
Where I am going
In my quest for self actualization tremendous attention must be placed on careful goal setting. Specifically, my deepest professional desire is to develop a distinguishable teaching career. Along with this is a compulsion to participate in business sector organizational activities; conducting workshops; empowering both women and youth to capture their true business potential and economic liberty. Apart from this fascination my greatest aspiration is to join a Language Institute to learn Chinese. What a fabulous excitement this brings! I am intrigued by this country’s impressive international relations culture. It is simply phenomenal!
China has immense economic resources. Besides, popular world powers such as the United States and Canada are presently pouring in resources supportive of diverse infrastructural economic ventures. Precisely, it is my firm belief that learning this language would clasp hands with the self- actualization I am seeking in my professional life.
Another professional goal I do have in sight is capitalizing on the Australian presence by enhancing my teaching skills while in this country; subsequently enrolling to complete studies at the doctoral level pursuing a Philosophy in Commerce and Economics degree. It coincides with my wish of becoming a pioneer of field research in this discipline and part of the world.
Importantly, it provides scope to serve my university in the capacity of economics consultant researcher with a relative trade culture integrated major. This is considered a scientifically historic project since it was never explored before by any graduate in the discipline at this university. My aim ultimately is to become an expert in international relations promoting community service and education to remote corners of the earth.
This would be actualized through vital contributions to the development of human resources in executing relevant educational programs; collaborating services, training and continuing education strategies; providing professional assistance and scientific support; disseminating culturally appropriate knowledge derived from related scientific and technical joint ventures and ensuring accessible application of research findings to target populations.
It is my philosophical assumption that installation of exquisite counseling devices is a vital follow up method to adopt. This ought to be emphasized within the socio- educational structure with subsequent provision of advice pertinent to development of self and society. Realization of this projection is however, highly influenced by collaborated efforts of communities and the potent social structure organizations, which enable their function.
Conclusion
It is with great enthusiasm I; therefore, go forth with the knowing that my goals are achievable. As such, I forget all that is behind and I reach towards everything, which is ahead. I press forward towards the mark of my higher calling. This, I perceive is embedded in the purpose of my ‘self actualization.’ (Adapted from the Holy Bible)
Bibliography
Hardy, T, (1892), Tess of the d’ Urbevilles: A Pure Woman Faithfully Presented. Harper &
Bros, New York
Hardy, T, (1891), Tess of the d’ Urbevilles: A Pure Woman Faithfully Presented, Available
from; http://www.pinkmonkey.com/dl/library1/book0994.pdf [Accessed: May 12, 2011].
Holy Bible, Edition of book, American Bible Society, New York.
Maslow, A, (1954), Motivation and Personality, Harper, New York
Marley, B, (19 81), Rat Race Lyrics, Bob Marley: Rat Race Lyrics. Available from: ,
http://www.sing365.com/music/Lyric.nsf/Rat-race-lyrics-Bob-
Marley/3E7C80FC4DF32AD348256945000D10F2 [Accessed: May 12, 2011].
